Biodiversity in figures

For the first time, STATEC has published a comprehensive biodiversity scorecard in its publication ‘Biodiversity in figures’. This 48-page publication uses graphs, infographics and brief analyses to provide essential and reliable benchmarks for understanding how biodiversity is changing and evolving.

For more than twenty years, research on ecosystem functionality has converged on the same conclusion: the richer an ecosystem is in species and habitats, the more sustainable it is. Biological diversity strengthens the stability of the services provided by ecosystems and increases their ability to adapt to environmental changes.

An ambitious project for a major challenge

Measuring and monitoring biodiversity have become key issues. Aware of its mission to inform decision-makers with rigorous and well-argued scientific information, STATEC launched an ambitious project in 2023: to develop the first biodiversity dashboard in Luxembourg. This work, based on currently available data, proposes more than 25 indicators covering habitat diversity, species health, and protection and funding efforts. Its objective is to monitor trends, identify threats and measure the impact of conservation policies.

Key figures:

• The phytosanitary condition of forests is deteriorating: the proportion of healthy trees has fallen from 79% in 1984 to 15% in 2024.
• No surface water bodies are in good ecological condition; 39% are in poor condition.
• Threatened species: 30% of birds, 26% of butterflies and 35% of vascular plants.
• Expenditure on biodiversity protection reached EUR 96 million in 2022, 2.6 times more than in 2008.
• Luxembourg has designated 28% of its territory as Natura 2000 areas and 76 protected areas of national interest covering 6% of the country.